Humans

Archaeology

Roman gladiators really fought big cats, ancient bite marks suggest 

This is the first skeletal evidence of an ancient Roman gladiator show — or execution — involving an exotic animal.

Life

Research without lab animals? New tech is making it possible

For decades, scientists have worked to phase out the use of animals in research. AI, ‘lungs’ on a chip and more are bringing that goal closer.

Health & Medicine

Three U.S tick species may trigger a mysterious red-meat allergy

This little-known allergy, known as alpha-gal syndrome, is potentially deadly. Here’s what we know about it — and how to avoid the tick bites that seem to cause it.

Health & Medicine

Two cities stopped water fluoridation. Kids’ teeth suffered

As calls to end fluoride in water get louder, worsening dental health in children of Calgary, Canada, and Juneau, Alaska, offer a cautionary tale.

Brain

Brain cells that make you feel full also make you crave dessert

If you want a sweet treat when you feel full after a big meal, blame your brain. Tests in mice and people suggest that the same cells signal satiety and a hunger for sugar.

Health & Medicine

Let’s learn about vaccines

These medical treatments have saved millions of lives and spared many others from seriously unpleasant infections.

Brain

Parakeets talk using brain areas similar to ours

Brain activity during vocalizing in small parrots — called budgerigars or parakeets — shows a similar pattern to what’s seen in people.

Materials Science

This electric ‘slime’ might help injuries heal faster

Our bodies call in healing cells with an electrical signal. When stretched or squeezed, this gel makes electricity that could boost that alert.

Chemistry

A new map of Africa sheds light on the origins of enslaved people

Mapping the element strontium across the continent is helping track down the birthplaces of enslaved Africans brought to the Americas.

Health & Medicine

Nearsighted? Teens’ benefits from special contacts can be lasting

Multifocal contact lenses stop the progression of myopia — and the benefits can last even after use of these special lenses ends.

Chemistry

Teen finds cheaper way to make drugs against killer viruses

This drug-making achievement also nabbed the top award — and $100,000 in prize money — at the 2025 Regeneron ISEF competition.

Space

Is the International Space Station too clean?

Testing surfaces on board the space station revealed low microbial diversity, something that’s been linked to health problems elsewhere.